I have a confession. The first time I laid my hands on Logitech's diNovo Media Desktop Laser, I was frankly ready to be underwhelmed.

Sure, this complete desktop keyboard/mouse set looked great with its ultraflat black and gray design, but I have long been a keyboard snob. If a keyboard doesn't have left-handed controls, I'll rarely give it a second glance. It must have extra function keys, or it doesn't get attached to my system. And it must have comfortable, responsive keys.

But I was pleasantly surprised by the diNovo set. Not only did it perform exceptionally as a keyboard -- with well-laid-out, superquiet keys -- it also had some benefits that you typically wouldn't expect from a keyboard set. First, it is wireless, making connection using a built-in Bluetooth hub that also can be used to connect to other devices, including mice, PDAs, telephones and music players.

It also comes with software that emulates Windows Media Center very well. You'll love the ease in which you'll be able to find and show your photos, play your music and watch your favorite videos and TV shows.

The rechargeable MX laser wireless mouse has a litany of buttons that you can use for extraordinary control of your cursor and applications, but it lacked the responsiveness of most other wireless mice I've used. That's OK because you can use any mouse with it.

One of the most unique features of the set is a 26 button ancillary keypad called the MediaPad. This wireless stand-alone device looks like a standard numeric keypad that matches the good looks of the main keyboard -- but it's superfunctional.

With the press of a button, it becomes a stand-alone calculator with its own display. Click another button to turn it into the standard numeric keypad you'd expect it to be. Or use its special buttons to control your on-disk media, from volume control to mute -- or to launch and choose music files, fast-forward through selections or play/pause. (Similar media controls are on the main keyboard).

The MediaPad has a multiline liquid crystal display that shows your PC clock, your media playback information (such as title of song), your calculator results, or -- if you receive e-mail or use Instant Messenger -- to notify you of what's in your inbox. That display, combined with the superfunctional buttons, makes it a great help in letting you stray from your computer while you work or play -- because it functions so well as a remote control.

Although Logitech set the list price at $199, you can find the diNovo set for $130 to $165 at various online retailers. Complete specs are available at Logitech.com.